Dear writers

The MEGASAGA 4 SHORTLIST IS ALMOST COMPLETE and will be published here within 24 hours. I have had some last-minute issues with some of the submissions, but fear not – I will let the rat out of the bag, fly the flag, and other mangled cliches.

PLEASE DO NOT BE DISAPPOINTED if you are not on the shortlist. I haven’t been on the shortlist myself in literary competitions dozens of times. Then, when I see the efforts of the winners and the runners-up, I always think – ‘I wonder how much that so-and so winner paid the judges? Or, is there blackmail involved? Or, is this competition fixed? Or is the winning entry simply far better than mine? Losing is the best lesson there is; the best reason for trying harder next time, refining and perfecting one’s writing. Hemingway sometimes spent weeks to produce a single paragraph.

And remember – there will be a book of Mega entries! Inclusion in the book means you will be a published author, even if you’re not shortlisted .

This year there were many more entries than usual, so I apologise if I haven’t given you feedback on your story. Please do email me if you want some relevant remarks.

There were four Judges this year. (including me). I sent the 3 the best stories in my opinion and asked them to comment and rank them. The next stage is to publish them here to get readers’ reactions. Then on or about the 23rd July I will get together with the judges (on Zoom) and select the prize winner in Senior and Junior categories. The announcement will be made on 27th. So get ready to make your comments!

As I say every year: Remember what we learn in football, in karate, in life: the Ref is blind! Life is not always fair and literary judges less so. But you can be absolutely sure there is no bribery, blackmail or fixing in this Competition!

Love to you all,